Hants: Delivered UK increases premises to support online shopping surge

Delivered UK, part of The APC delivery network – the largest independent parcel delivery network in the UK – has announced the opening of a new, operational parcel depot at Concorde Park, Fareham.

The opening comes following significant growth for the business – having recorded a 28% year-on-year growth in deliveries – spurred by a continued surge in online shopping across the region.

The new depot provides 14,000 sq ft of premium warehouse space, an increase of 9,000 sq ft compared with the previous site. This additional space will allow the company to expand its overnight, sameday and international parcel collection and delivery service offerings to local businesses across the PO and SO postcodes. Additionally, the increased space will allow Delivered UK to offer storage and fulfilment facilities, supporting growth of these businesses, and through the nationwide coverage of The APC delivery network, enabling them to reach an ever expanding national customer base.

Adam Barber, director at Delivered UK, said: “It’s so encouraging to see how businesses across the region are continuing to prove their resilience and entrepreneurialism despite the challenges of the past year, with many of our customers thriving.

“We’ve seen so many local SMEs having to adapt their business models, products, and accelerate their online presence in order to survive in recent months, and they continue to do so even as the country starts to gradually ease out of lockdown. We are dedicated to supporting the agility and determination of our customers, providing them with improved service options, through our new depot and a local team working hard in partnership with them, to help them flourish in the years ahead.”

Today, Delivered UK has an employed workforce of over 90 across the business and is currently recruiting for warehouse operatives in the local area, to support continued demand from the region’s thriving SME community.

Across the region, Delivered UK’s top 10 customers have achieved an average year-on-year growth of 170%. Among these customers, the home improvement sector and the food and drink sector have shown the most significant growth as consumers have found new ways of sourcing products they depend on through the pandemic, and in turn many SMEs have quickly adapted their business models to meet these demands.

One example of this is local business, Hattingley Valley Wines, a highly-awarded producer of premium English wines. Following the restrictions placed on the hospitality sector – its key customer group – during last year’s lockdown, the Hampshire-based business quickly adapted its business model and invested in its online and social media presence to target and supply directly to consumers. As a result of this agility, Hattingley Valley Wines saw a surge in online orders, from an average of 20 consignments a month to 600 a month. The business continues to despatch an average of 600 consignments a month thanks to the consumer demand it has generated in recent months and by maintaining its online presence and local delivery service provided by Delivered UK, the business now supplies a growing customer base across the region and the rest of the UK.

Jonathan Smith, chief executive at APC Overnight, said: “The strength and resilience of the UK’s SMEs throughout the pandemic has really shone through across The APC network. Throughout the first half of 2021 – and even as restrictions have eased – we are still seeing high demand for delivery services, as consumers continue to shop online and businesses continue to rely on carriers to get these items delivered. The ongoing dedication and hard work of our colleagues at Delivered UK will be key to supporting this, ensuring that the needs of customers are recognised, and working closely with them to ensure those needs are met.”